‍From institutional investment to emerging AI technologies, day two of the Prosperity Summit spotlighted new ideas for building a more resilient economy

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – The 2025 Prosperity Summit opened yesterday at the Marriott Marquis with a powerful call to reimagine how capital and innovation can work together to expand financial opportunity. Hundreds of leaders from across the country gathered for the three-day event organized by Prosperity Now, bringing together nonprofits, corporations, community leaders, and entrepreneurs around a shared goal: creating pathways to prosperity for all.

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The morning plenary, Capital, Creativity, and the Hustle for Good, set the tone for the day with remarks from Prosperity Now President and CEO Marisa Calderon, who emphasized the importance of aligning institutional capital with purpose and leading boldly through uncertainty.

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“We can’t simply wait for stability to return,” said Prosperity Now President and CEO Marisa Calderon. “We must build the world we want to see for ourselves—because no one’s going to do it for us. Our theme this year is Together, We Thrive. Those words are not just a tagline—they’re a promise that if we trust in each other and take the steps this moment requires, every family, every entrepreneur, every community will have the chance not only to get by, but to truly thrive.”

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Panelists Shena Ashley (Capital One insights Center), Darlene Goins (Wells Fargo Foundation), Roma Kaundal (JPMorganChase), and Erica Opstad (U.S. Bank Foundation) shared candid insights on how corporate and philanthropic capital can strengthen financial stability and resilience.  

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The plenary also featured the Rise Challenge, presented in collaboration with Accenture and Avanade, highlighting practical, scalable tools that help Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) and similar lenders strengthen their operations and better meet the needs of the communities they serve.  

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The session culminated with the announcement of Parlay Finance as the 2025 Rise Challenge winner. The Virginia-based fintech earned the top prize: a $100,000 implementation contract through Prosperity Next for its Loan Intelligence System (LIS), a platform that automates loan intake and eligibility reviews to help CDFIs expand access to capital.

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“We are thrilled to win the 2025 Rise Challenge and look forward to working with Prosperity Next to empower CDFIs with scalable AI-powered technical assistance for small businesses across the country," said Alex McLeod, cofounder and CEO of Parlay Finance.

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Throughout the day, attendees joined breakout sessions on topics including expanding access to homeownership, integrating financial counseling into small business programs, advancing maternal and child health, and using creative expression as a tool for resilience and advocacy.

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In the afternoon, the plenary Innovation Over Nostalgia: AI, Crypto and America’s Next Workforce explored how AI, digital platforms, and new financial tools are transforming household financial security. Moderated by Dave Uejio, COO of Prosperity Now, the session featured experts Cleve Mesidor (Blockchain Foundation), Leigh Phillips (SaverLife), Timothy Flacke (Commonwealth), and Melissa Koide (FinRegLab). The discussion focused on embracing innovation with intention and building tools and safeguards that help families thrive in a changing economy.

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“Prosperity Now has spent its 46-year history putting communities at the center of innovation—ensuring that tools are developed with intention, tested with care, and scaled in ways that truly expand opportunity,” continued Calderon. “Economic mobility has always depended on access, trust, and resilience. Today, those same principles must guide how we embrace the next wave of technological change.”

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The evening concluded with the inaugural Prosperity Now Awards Gala, an event celebrating leadership, creativity, and storytelling. Ron Grzywinski, Co-Founder and Chair (Ret.) of ShoreBank, received the Bob Friedman Award for his lifelong contributions to expanding financial access.

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The evening also featured a first look at Prosperity Now’s new short documentary, Altadena Rising (working title), followed by a live discussion on the power of storytelling to strengthen understanding and drive collaboration. The panel featured Marisa Calderon, Stephen Satterfield (food writer, producer, and host of Netflix’s High on the Hog), and Alberto Ferreras (award-winning filmmaker, author, and creator of Habla on HBO), moderated by journalist Jim Acosta.  

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“Evidence alone isn’t compelling. It doesn’t tell the story in a way that moves people—it’s just numbers on a page. You have to show who’s behind those numbers so there’s a face to it. That’s what compels change,” said Marisa Calderon.

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“We live in a time where people often operate in completely different information bubbles. As journalists, we see firsthand the challenge of separating fact from fiction in an environment where entertainment and satire can look a lot like news. But storytelling still matters—it’s how we connect, how we break through silos, and how we spark action, not just applause,” said moderator Jim Acosta.

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“Story is not only a form of power—it’s the most powerful form of power that exists. Every moment of human progress or tragedy begins with story,” said Stephen Satterfield.

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